Page 6 - The Enchanting World of Yusuf's Art

The Ethereal Elegance of Yusuf's Sculptures

In Yusuf's oeuvre, his uniquely crafted sculptures too stand out. These pieces, suggestive of the
relationship between man and machine, eloquently address the modern human
predicament—how to live with machines. Almost in a state of flight, the sculptures possess a
certain grace, and their presence is enchanting. They remind us of how we are bound to live
with machines, providing comfort yet also causing discomfort. At times, we wish to free
ourselves from their clutches, yet we remain tethered. One might also recall the superb film by
Charlie Chaplin, Modern Times, which explores a similar dilemma. But let's return to where it all
began for Yusuf.

One day, Yusuf saw a photograph in a newspaper of a man carrying a sewing machine on his
shoulder, waddling through rising floodwaters, trying to save the machine. In the photograph,
the man's head and the machine's head appeared almost fused together. Yusuf was moved by
this portrayal—a man and his machine united in a single moment. Coming from a family of
master tailors, he was naturally drawn to the scene, having been familiar with sewing machines
since childhood. Later, he learnt that the photograph was taken by photographer Steve
McCurry as part of his monsoon series from India and abroad. The photograph fired Yusuf's
imagination, and the result was a series of sculptures done with various materials. The series
continues with ever-changing, appealing imagery, consisting of faces both ordinary and divine,
with many components from nature.

One of the figures, with a predominant blue shade, exudes a distinct charm. The ornate, bead-
studded headpiece, earrings and wings convey a certain regal and divine essence. Interestingly,
the machine here does not have a dreary and dull presence. Rather, the relationship shown is
symbiotic, almost idyllic, evoking a sense of abundance, power and a certain shimmering
sacred splendor. The face has a rather calm and introspective expression, unfolding its wings in
a sort of spiritual ascent, with the radiance of a deity but with the framework of a device.

The textural feel of the sculptures is powerfully executed. As with his paintings, the
painstakingly intricate details of the sculptures are crafted with love and care, offering a seminal
visual delight. The subtlety with which the man's desire to see beauty in machines is conveyed is
astonishing.

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